LowellArts presents Mayhem at Camp Marigold
Main character, Kat, in Mayhem at Camp Marigold.
By Emma Palova || contributing writer
4/9/2024
In the play, Mayhem at Camp Marigold, by Deanna Strasse, the main character, Kat, believes she’s on her way to space camp, and nothing could be cooler. However, a snafu occurs during registration, and Kat is headed to an arts and crafts camp instead, which is lame.
Between the boring pottery classes, confusing crochet lessons and perky counselors, Kat is headed for the worst week ever. Until someone goes missing when a storm blows in, and before they know it, Kat and the rest of her campers have to utilize every crafty tool they’ve got in order to survive the night.
The play has a great ensemble cast with the main character, Kat, and the rest of the characters, who are just as important and add their own unique piece to the overall puzzle, according to Program Director, Laurel Conrad. “The story also focuses on the lesson that you don’t need to be good at arts and crafts to enjoy them. Everyone can tap into their artistic side and it’s okay if it’s not perfect,” Conrad said.
The LowellArts Theatre Committee chooses productions from plays proposed by committee members, theatre volunteers, playwrights, and the general public. LowellArts announces on their website and social media when season production proposals are open. “The theatre committee chose the play because it is a fun and well-written play for young actors and audiences,” Conrad said. “It gives an unpublished playwright the chance to have their work put on stage.”
There is a lot of consideration in choosing the plays produced each season. Some considerations include the value the production gives to theatre artists and audiences. “Our goal is to create a connection with our audiences,” Conrad said. “We want them to feel something, and hopefully, to carry that feeling with them beyond the performance.”
With this play being an original work, LowellArts provides a platform to new artists. The focus with the youth productions is on a play that will be fun and entertaining for the kids in the show and the kids in the audience. Then the committee looks for a good message interwoven into all the fun. “Mayhem at Camp Marigold certainly achieves both of these things,” Conrad said.
“I know that most kids aren’t going off to get a theatre degree or moving to New York City to begin the audition grind in hopes of “making it,” Conrad said. But even if theatre isn’t a career for everyone, it is certainly a worthwhile and valuable hobby. It allows everyone to practice empathy and make genuine personal connections. “And most importantly, theatre is fun! This group of actors have certainly achieved the “having fun” part of theatre expertly. There’s been a lot of smiles, and a lot more laughter,” she said.
People should come to see the show to support a local non-profit arts organization. The arts - theatre included - are a vital part of life through which we share the human condition and experience that connects us all. By participating in the local arts available, people can broaden their horizons, for themselves and their communities.
Coming to this particular show supports the creativity of the younger generations. The cast and crew have been working very hard for the last two months to create something entertaining for the audience and fun for the whole family. Plus, there’s a whodunnit mystery that you won’t want to miss!
Directed by Conrad, with stage managed by Pyper Gordon and Victor Preiss, the play is accessible to all audiences, especially in a small town like Lowell.
Performance Dates & Times: Friday, April 12 at 7:00 pm.
Saturday, April 13 at 2:00 pm.
Saturday, April 13 at 7:00 pm.
Doors open 30 minutes before show start time.
Performances will be held at the Lowell Performing Arts Center (Lowell High School), 11700 Vergennes St SE, Lowell.
Tickets: in advance - $8; at the door - $10; Students - $5 (at the door only, with valid student ID)
To purchase online go to: https://www.lowellartsmi.org/upcoming-show-youth
